MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
BeII City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority February 25, 2026
5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: BeII Community Center, 6250 Pine Avenue, Bell CA 90201
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN -PERSON AT THE BELL COMMUNITY CENTER PUBLIC COMMENT: If you wish to make a comment on items listed on the agenda, you may attend the meeting in -person at Bell Community Center. Please complete a Request to Speak Card available in the location and wait until the mayor calls you to approach the podium. Please clearly state your name and address and proceed to make your comments.
You may also submit input electronically through a temporary public comment email established for City of Bell City Council meetings at cityclerk r� cityofbell.ord. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday. February 25, 2026. Any emails received after the time indicated will not be included in the record. Written Comments will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words).
The meeting will be recorded and live streamed on the City's website at https:ll www.cityofbell.gov/City-HaillCity- C Jerk/Live-Web-Stream
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh PRESENT: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana*,, and Mayor Saleh (4) ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo (1)
`Counciimember Quintana arrived at 5:18 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Danny Aleshire and Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui.
Communications from the Public on Closed Session Items
This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council and related Authorities and Agencies only on items that are listed under Closed Session.
There were no public comments. Mayor Saleh closed the public comment period.
Mayor Saleh recessed to closed session at 5:14 p.m.
The City Council and the related Authorities and Agencies will recess to closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the following matters:
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
section 54956.8)
Property : 6250 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
b. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 7030 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
c. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4400-4410 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To beDetermined
d. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6400 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6339 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
f. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in one case.
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:11 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh ALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Flores, Romero*, Quintana*, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (5)
Councilmembers Romero and Quintana arrived at 7:14 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Danny Aleshire, Chief of Police Damian Velasco, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Public Works Director Rita MonteIvo, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Deputy Human Resources and Risk Manager Gina Skibar, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lieutenant Kai Joseph
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Danny Aleshire reported the following from closed session: Items a) through e) were discussed, and direction was provided: no reportable action was taken. Item f) was not discussed.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Swearing -In and Pinning Ceremony for Captain Neil Mangan and Lieutenant Kai Joseph was presented by Chief Velasco
b. Presentation by L.A County Fire Department was moved to the next meeting c. Presentation by Los Angeles County Sanitation District was given by Matt Eaton, Deputy Assistant Chief Engineer
d. Proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month was read by Mayor Saleh
e. Proclamation declaring February 18, 2026 through March 18, 2026 as Ramadan Awareness Month was read by Mayor Saleh
Communications from the Public
The initial period for public comments was limited to 30 minutes. Additional speakers who submitted a speaking card were given the opportunity to speak at the end of the council meeting.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council and related Authorities and Agencies on items that are on the agenda and non -agenda items that are under the subject matter jurisdiction: Xiomara Santos, Briana. Alfredo Vasquez, Alfredo Meza, Rigoberto, Marlen. Yudith Meza, Nancy Meza, Clarissa, Beatriz Gonzalez, Luz Meza, Gerardo Zuniga, Karina Gastelum, Maria Flores, and Kunti Bowers.
For the Record: 3 emails were received.
Mayor and City Council Communications
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1234, this is the time and place to provide a brief report on meetings,. seminars and conferences attended by the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Romero made a comment.
Councilmember Quintana made a comment.
Mayor Saleh made a comment.
City Manager Report
In this portion of the agenda, the City Manager will provide a brief report on items of interest to the City Council and/or the community.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II reported on the following:
1. A Spanish version of the PowerPoint presentation related to the mobile homes is available on the City's website and on the relocation plan website
2. Expenditures related to mobile homes were included in the budget process.
3. Two community meetings were held, during which presentations outlined cost and Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
necessary repairs of the mobile homes. It was noted that mobile homes do not generate sufficient revenue for significant improvements; funds are primarily used for repairs rather than beautification improvements.
4. An electrical issue at the Florence mobile home park was discussed. The current infrastructure does not adequately support park operations and lacks the capacity to sustain existing demands. The electrical issue is under review and will be repaired at an estimated cost of approximately $180,000.
5. The City is providing "Know Your Rights" workshops and distributing informational flyers/cards related to ICE and immigration.
6. Clarification was provided regarding inaccurate statements about displacement related to the purchase and acquisition of properties. It was noted that privately owned properties are under the control of their owners, and the City cannot notify tenants of the owners intentions.
7. The City will host its first Ramadan Night event on March 3'c.
Mayor Saleh called for a brief recess at 8:44 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Public Hearing(s)
The following item has been posted as a Public Hearing as required by law. The Mayor will open the Public Hearing(s) to receive public testimony only on the item(s) listed under this section.
1. Public Hearing - Consideration to approve a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the City of Bell and Gentefy Holdings, LLC, for the property located at 4410 Gage Avenue. (City Council)
Recommendation it is recommended that the City Council
1. Open the public hearing
2. Receive public testimony and accept any additional written protests
3. Approve the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui presented a brief report on the item and invited developer Barney Santos, who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
A brief discussion followed among the Council and staff.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Public Speakers
1. Nora Saenz
2. Clarissa Perez
3. Bell Resident
4. Karina
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing.
Counci'Imember Quintana expressed concern regarding the language on page 57, Section "Interim Use". She requested that the language be expanded to clearly specify the total number of businesses permitted at the site, indicating a minimum of four vendors and maximum of seven vendors. contingent upon renovation of the remaining 1,400 square feet.
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
Councilmember Quintana moved to approve Agenda Item No. 1, with revisions to require that the project be developed to allow for restaurant use, consisting of a minimum of four and maximum of seven vendors. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana; Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 9:38 p.m,
Vice -Mayor Arroyo presided over the meeting.
Business Session
2. Consideration of a Letter of Support for AB 1708 (Solache) HHAP Pathways for Cities Act_ (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the issuance of a Letter of Support for A8 1708 (So(ache).
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion followed among the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item no. 2, as recommended_ Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed
3. Appointment of two Councilmembers to the FY26-27 Budget Ad -Hoc Committee and Approval of the FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar. (City Council)
Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council appoint two (2) Councilmembers to the Budget Ad -hoc Committee and approve the FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion was held between the Council and staff. it was moved by Councilmember Flores to appoint Councilmembers Romero and Quintana to the Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
Budget Ad -hoc Committee. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
City Manager Michael E. Antwine requested that Agenda Item No. 5 be heard before Agenda Itern No. 4. The Council agreed.
5. Approve an Agreement with Angel City Market for Downtown Bell Market Operation Services, (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a new Agreement with Angel City Market as the City's Market Operator for one-year with a one-year extension.
Management Aide Diana Farhat provided a report on the item.
Kenia Rivas and Danny Rivas, Farmers Market Managers, provided additional information on the item.
A discussion followed between the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana requested that the contract be revised to include one-year option.
Ms. Riva, agreed to incorporate the one-year option.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item No.4 with the revision to the agreement to include a one-year option. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
4. Ramadan Night Market. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council receive and file this report.
Management Aide Diana Farhat provided a report on the item.
A discussion was held between the Council and staff.
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
Vice -Mayor Arroyo called for a voice vote to receive and file the report.
Voice Vote: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Councilmember Romero left the meeting at 10:09 p.m.
6. Approve of a Global Master Services Agreement and Addendum with ADP, LLC for Payroll Processing, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Compliance Reporting, and Related Services: and Discontinuation of the Springbrook HR/Payroll Module. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Global Master Services Agreement and Addendum with ADP, LLC to provide payroll processing, HRIS, compliance reporting, timekeeping, and related services.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, and all related documents.
3. Authorize the discontinuation of the Springbrook HR/Payroll module due to system obsolescence and future compliance limitations.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a report on the item, noting that a minor revision was made to addendum, specifically to Section 8 (Governing Law) to reflect California instead of New York.
A discussion was held between the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item No.4 with the revision to the Addendum. Motion was seconded by Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN; None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
7. Pritchard Field Improvement Project Phase 2 — Award of Construction Contract Update. (City Council)
Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
Councilmember Romero returned to the meeting at 10:13 p.m A discussion was held between the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to receive and file this report. Motion was seconded by Meeting of the Be!! City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores. Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
8. Approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Bell and Chester D. Lomax and Rosa A. Lomax, Trustees of the Chet and Rosa Lomax Revocable Trust dated 6/16/05 for acquisition of the real properties located at 6411, 6425 and 6429 Woodward Avenue (APNs. 6326-001-014. 015, 017, 018 and 019). (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property under Threat of Condemnation and Joint Escrow Instructions by resolution as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE
AGREEMENT WITH CHESTER D. LOMAX AND ROSA A.
LOMAX, TRUSTEES, FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THOSE
CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 6411,
6425 AND 6429 WOODWARD AVENUE IN THE CITY OF BELL
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
A discussion was held between the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item No. 8, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 3-1-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: Councilmember Quintana
ABSTAIN None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
9. Proposed Resolutions and Ordinance for the submittal to voters of a Measure adopting a Supplemental General Local Transaction and Use Tax (Sales Tax) for the June 2, 2026. Ballot for the purpose of maintaining Local Control of Revenues generated in the City of Bell to directly benefit the Bell Community. (City Council)
Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt the following:
(1) Resolution 2026-11 titled:A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BELL, CALIFORNIA CALLING FOR THE PLACEMENT OF A GENERAL TAX
MEASURE ON THE BALLOT FOR THE CONSOLIDATED GENERAL MUNICIPAL Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON JUNE 2. 2026 FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE
QUALIFIED VOTERS OF AN ORDINANCE TO ENACT A SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX AT A RATE OF ONE PERCENT (1%),
AND, REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE THE
SUBMISSION OF THE MEASURE AT THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON JUNE 2. 2026. WITH THE STATEWIDE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE. (2) Resolution 2026-12 titled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL, CALIFORNIA. AUTHORIZING THE DRAFTING OF DIRECT
ARGUMENTS, SETTING PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN ARGUMENT(S) AND
DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AN IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS REGARDING A CITY MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED AT THE JUNE 2, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION.
(3) Conduct a First Reading and Introduction of Ordinance 1297: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF BELL, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW CHAPTER
3.21 TO THE BELL MUNICIPAL CODE TO ENACT A ONE PERCENT (1%)
SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX, WHICH SHALL BE
ADMINISTERED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TAX AND FEE
ADMINISTRATION
(4) Authorize staff to make changes to the proposed Ordinance and Resolutions. as necessary, to ensure compliance with various requirements from the County of Los Angles Registrar of Voters and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
A discussion was held between the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item No. 9, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
City Attorney Danny Aleshire read the title of the resolutions.
Motion Passed.
Consent Calendar
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non -controversial. They are acted upon by the City Council and related authorities at one time without discussion. The reading of the full text of ordinances and resolutions will be waived unless a Councilmember requests otherwise.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 10 and 11.
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25. 2026
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Items No. 10 and 11, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-O-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
10. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of February 25, 2026. (Council/Successor Agency to the Befl Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
11. Approve the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of December 10, 2025. (City Council)
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting is Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m. by Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
I, Angela Bustamante, City Clerk of the City of BeII, certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Bell at a regular meeting held on April 8, 2026.
Angela Bustamante, ' it Clerk
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 25, 2026